Diversity: Imperatives

Let's discuss these imperatives in more detail.

Imperative number 1 is to attract and retain the best employees.  Many organizations include this imperative in their strategic plans.  Since there is a shrinking labor pool of talented and qualified workers, and the competition for that labor pool is great, employers can attract and retain the best workers by:

• Competing to be the "Employer of Choice"
• Attracting talented employees from the current labor pool

An organization's ability to attract, hire, and retain the best employees depends on whether its environment is conducive to and supportive of workforce diversity.  Organizations are all competing for talented employees, and they know that being seen as an Employer of Choice is a competitive advantage.  Attracting talent is only part of the issue.  Organizational leaders also realize that they must create work environments that retain employees and promote productivity.

An example of an organization that wants to be known as an Employer of Choice is one that offers flex-time to employees to allow them to meet their family obligations while still performing well in the organization.

Imperative number 2 - to enhance customer service and gain a marketing advantage - is increasingly necessary for organizational survival.  Marketplace demographics are changing more rapidly and dramatically than workplace demographics.

• Organizations are seeing their customer base become more diverse.
• An organization must also recruit and hire employees who are bilingual if necessary to meet their customers' communication requirements.

An example of an employer enhancing customer service and gaining market advantage is implementing a policy that ensures service representatives dealing with an overseas segment of the market work hours that correspond to their customers' needs.

Imperatives to be continued...

Until next time...






Sheryl Tuchman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
http://tools2succeed.com/